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Monday, September 30, 2013

The "Morning Edition" has translated headlines &
newspaper photos. This Afternoon Edition has translations of the articles, Daily Events & Live Music Schedules & the "Around the
Internet in the Past 24 Hours" section including photos & info from individuals & local businesses ....Daily In Isla Mujeres. There are always links to the original articles in Spanish.

En IM, unidad y concordia

Leer más...
The Governor said he is convinced that Isla Mujeres will have three years of prosperity with the administration a Agapito Magana Sanchez, who was sworn in as Mayor for 2013-2016 on the first few minutes of Monday, Sept. 30. Gov. Borge approved of the Mayor's plan to have an inclusive government with unity and harmony, that leaves behind conflicts and divisions while seeking conciliation.
The Governor indicated his government is sympathetic to the need to bring quality public services to all residents of the municipality, both on the island and the mainland. He said his administration supports the goals of the new mayor such as the completion of the Specialty hospital, to the promotion of sports to combat addiction, and to protecting the assets that are the heritage of the islanders.

Reconciliation and a great deal of work

Agapito gives his principle objectives for the next three years

Conciliación y mucho trabajo

The new mayor said he will seek reconciliation because revenge and resentment have never served the families of Isla Mujeres well, and his goal is to leave behind the conflicts and divisions. he called for unity and a joining of forces for the benefit of everyone. He gave points toward his goals: 1. An orderly urban development that benefits the welfare of all the citizens.2. A territorial development that allows the municipality to have decent housing for all the families.3. The completion of the Specialty Hospital with trained staff and medicines for quality care.4. Supporting family economies with the aim of decreasing the dropout rate with the implementation of an extensive program of scholarships and financial grants to support the students in important areas such as ferry costs, uniforms, books, and school supplies.5. From today, the creation of the "Brand Isla Mujeres" featuring our natural resources; we are proud of the beauty of our beaches and of our heritage, which will endure to sustain the livelihoods that support the island's economy. 6. This government will facilitate the attraction of investment and the development of infrastructure with environmental awareness, as well as generating more jobs, and better jobs, to improve the quality of life for our families 7. This government will have professional and trained police, who will have fair wages, employment benefits, and the necessary equipment, in good condition. 8. Programs to support all social groups equally, stressing the inclusion of people with different abilities, gender equality, and respect & support for older people.
The mayor said he recognizes the need to make financial adjustment measures, and from day one of his administration they will implement a policy of responsible government that allows saving of the most resources while solving urgent and vital problems, such as street cleaning and garbage collection.

Liberation of more than two thousand baby turtles

Dozens of children participate

Liberan más de dos mil crías

Domingo, 29 de Septiembre de 2013 21:23

Decenas de niños participan en cuidado de las tortugas

On Saturday evening, there was a release of 2500 turtle hatchlings with dozens of children and their parents participating at the Guadalulpana beach, at the end of the departing administration, under the auspices of the Department of Parks and Recreation. It was an emotional event for the families.

The sea turtle season began May 15th and officially concludes on Oct. 15th. During this time over 500 nests were rescued and protected with ~165,530 eggs. As of Saturday, Sept. 28. the Tortugranja had about 333 nests remaining, with each containing 100-130 eggs, therefore there are about 40,000 turtles incubating which will be released in the next few weeks, under the new administration.

Tourism service cooperatives surviving thanks to API

Sobreviven gracias a la API

Domingo, 29 de Septiembre de 2013 21:02

Cooperativas de servicios turísticos

Members of the four cooperatives that provide boat tours said they are surviving economically because the Port Authority allows them to offer their services directly to tourists as they arrive from the ferry. There are ~70 vessels offering tours, and since Sept. 1st they are feeling the effects of low season, when demand dropped by 50 percent. They compensated by reducing the number of passengers in each boat by half, so more vessels can have work. Since 2011, API has allowed the tour boats to use their premises to vend their services, with requirements about ID badges, appropriate behavior and language, with good results for the seamen.

Another grade school added an extra day of classes to make up time lost during the strike

INFRAESTRUCTURA

Por Carlos Gasca > Quequi.-The new ferry terminal is expected to be completed in early December, as long as there are no weather delays. It is noted that this is hurricane season. The work was begun in May, and is expected to be 45% complete this week. The cost of the project is over 34 million pesos. Passenger traffic has increased by over 14% and nearly 2.5 million passengers a year come through the ferry terminals to Isla Mujeres.

29 de septiembre a las 9:21 pm
The International Tourism Fair (FITA) concludes today in Mexico City. (A friend posted a photo of the Isla Mujeres booth on Facebook.) This article, in the Isla Mujeres section of the newspaper, mentions the Trip Advisor awards won by Tulum and Cancun, and says nothing about the awards won by our island. The participants in FITA included 48 countries, 22 Mexican states, and 25,000 people, with the presence of the five Tourism Trust promotion agencies of Quintana Roo attending, as well as tour operators and travel agents from the area.

Although September is one of the slowest months of the low season, there were a good number of tourists at the beaches on Sunday with an estimated 500 people at the Posada beach, about 600 at North Beach, and about 300 at the Avalon beach. The weather also helped the boat tour operators who were operating at about 30 to 50 percent of capacity. The weather was perfect for beach sports, swimming, relaxing, sunbathing, snorkeling, tours, and para sailing, as well as having refreshing drinks on the beach..

Already translated...They are not at the fishing camp in Isla Contoy currently because of practical considerations like the cost of gas and scarcity of lobsters there now. They will be at the camp after the nortes begin which cause the lobster to leave their nooks, crannies, and caves and 'run'.

This blog is brought to you by....MaraVilla CaribeBed & BeachThree rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white
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View from rooms

Small room

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Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe or
Monchi's,shop at Chedraui or
visit restaurants, bars, & beach
clubs; minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a pharmacy and
variety of other stores and small local restaurants

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Artist's fair will be the third Thursday in October due to the change of government & will resume being the first Thursday in November. Oct. 17th 4-7 Town Square.See Live Music schedule at top of page for Live music during low season.

I will be working on this section for October-November. There is usually a Mayan-Caribbean
Cultural Festival, and of course Day of the Dead, which
lasts over a week here as Hanal Pixan.
At the end of November is the town saint celebration. Then in early
December is the Virgin of Guadalupe festival which begins the Christmas
holidays that continue into January and the Day of Kings..

John Cain says..My schedule this week is
Tuesday solo from 8 to 10 pm at Cafe Del Mar,
lovely spot on the beach across from Jax,
Wednesday the return of The
Sol Rockers at Bally Hoo Restaurant from 7 to 930, come support this
great venue, relaxing vibe and good food!
Friday solo at Iguana Bar Marina Paraiso Isla Mujeres
from 7 to 9 and
Saturday at The Sunset Grill, solo from 7 to 9 pm. They
offer 2x1 special from 6 to 10 pm on all wine by glass or bottle, nice
deal. See ya!

October
17, 2013: We welcome Agapito & his new administration to the
Municipal. They took over today. A delay in the Artist Fair will allow
them to get settled & celebrate with us the 17th. Hope to see you
all in the Zocolo from 4 to 7pm on the third Thursday of October.

Bruce Sunset from Mininos. Where you never have to wonder if the seafood is fresh.

I feel like a nerd.

Betsy & Capt Tony had Salmon & Salmon w shrimp at
Due Torri, the new restaurant across from the new ferry terminal
(south of HSBC). Betsy recommended it saying the salmon with shrimp was
outstanding, the owners were super nice and
everyone was friendly.

Hi sisters!
I’m organising English classes for teenagers and adults starting
October 14th. There may be different levels, 3 times a week for one
hour, 125 pesos a week, probably around 5 or 6 pm. The course will last
until December. I’ll probably be teaching somewhere near Chedraui. Do
you know anybody interested? They can contact me by email
(cciknopfler@hotmail.com) or by phone (9981560250).

I’ve also
prepared a specific course for workers of restaurants and bars, this
will happen once a week for an hour in the morning somewhere in the
center. Price is 50 pesos the class. Classes will start the week of the
7th but haven’t yet decided day and time. There may be different levels
depending on students and interest. You can also visit my website www.isla-languages.com

I’d like to thank everybody for putting the word out there!

Jackie Conlon Cecilia
taught at La Gloria English School on Isla. I wish her the best of luck
and great success. If you know anyone who would benefit from learning
English please let them know about Cecilia's classes.

CHECK OUT our new Menu and $50 peso Breakfast special 10-12!

*** Isla Mujeres Student Scholarship program ***

Several students graduated or will be soon so there have been new
students added to the Isla Mujeres Student Scholarship program. With the
new students there is a need for more sponsors. There are two levels of
sponsorship - $30 or $55 a month.

Citlali is a student
starting college. She has one sponsor at the $30 level, but we would
like to support her at $150/month, so need between 3 and 5 more
sponsors.

Brayan is a new high
school student. We have one sponsor - at $30 level, so we need one more
sponsor. Brayan's mom is Cecelia, the heavy-set woman who is active with
the bead ladies - friendly and has taken some English classes, you may
have met her.

If want more information about the program or
want to become a sponsor please message me. This is a great way to give
back to the people of Isla Mujeres as well as life changing for the
students and their families.

Christy Dix added a new photo.

Land
Yoga Move is back- Gentle Yoga Move class is moving to a new location
at El Milagros Marina and Hotel. Classes will resume Tuesday, October,
1.
Classes will be in the air conditioned movie theater on Tuesday
and Thursday at 9AM. Saturday classes will be dependent on the number of
students, at least three, until late October.
Please bring a mat, some are available. Props are provided. Water is a must!
Please contact me for more information.
Namaste

Daily
Update: Okay that’s it. We’re having a clinic on the island November 2
and 3 and it’s now designated ‘project spay the mommas.’ There has
just been way too many really sad mommas and pups in the last few
months. I don’t know how these poor dogs do it. We’re going to start
now and make appointments to get as many moms done as we possibly can.
Not only do the moms suffer but their pups have so much catching up to
do. If we start scouting them out now - we can get them on vitamins
and tend to any health issues so the surgery will be easier on them.
People ask me all the time if it’s okay to spay and neuter two to three
month old puppies. In this situation – absolutely. You should see
them. While the adult dogs take a while to recover, the pups are up and
playing the same day. It’s amazing how young the females can have
their first litters and better for them if they have none at all. For
my birthday wish we are up to $1,155.00 in monthly pledges thanks to
Susan and Caroline. We’ll get there.

Isla Animals is participating in a contest to win $10,000.00. All you have to do is go to: www.shelterchallenge.com
and vote for them. You can vote once per day, and do not need to create
an account to vote. Please share with your animal lover and Isla lover
friends!

MVC B&B Sponsors This Blog

Click on the graphic to visit our website

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MVC Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

Call or WhatsApp (01) 998 937 8014

Click here for link to menus from most of your favorite restaurants & more information.

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Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

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Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

Poc Na has late night live music

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.

Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo live music some evenings ~7-11

La Terraza ~10-12

Veradara's restaurant: live Cuban music weekend afternoons

Walk around Hidalgo at night & listen for live music

Strolling musicians working for tips available afternoons & evenings

Click on the map for more info

And check out the Ixchel mural at MVC by Colegio Bachilleres (Aeropuerto)

MVC recommends these & we have a few to loan to guests, who say they are Very Helpful